Tunable lens using dielectric elastomer sandwiched by transparent conductive liquid

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Traditional lenses often face limitations in size and tunability for compact imaging applications.
• Dielectric elastomer actuators offer potential for tunable optics but require suitable electrode materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a compact tunable lens with high optical transmittance.
• To utilize a transparent conductive liquid as both the refractive medium and compliant electrode.
• To evaluate the performance characteristics of the developed tunable lens.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a tunable lens by sandwiching a dielectric elastomer between transparent conductive liquid electrodes.
• Characterization of optical transmittance across the visible spectrum (380-760 nm).
• Measurement of focal power variation and actuation response times at a specific voltage.

Main Results:

• Achieved a compact tunable lens with dimensions of 16 mm diameter and 10 mm height.
• Demonstrated high optical transmittance of 92.2% within the 380-760 nm range.
• Obtained a focal power variation of -23.71 Diopters at 3.0 kV, with rise/fall times of 60 ms/185 ms.

Conclusions:

• The proposed tunable lens, utilizing transparent conductive liquid, offers a promising solution for compact imaging systems.
• The fabrication process avoids opaque electrodes, simplifying manufacturing and potentially improving performance.
• The lens's high transmittance and significant focal power tunability make it suitable for diverse optical applications.